WHNS, the television station more commonly known as Fox Carolina, could go dark Friday for DirecTV and AT&T customers, leaving some Panthers fans in the Upstate without access to Sunday's big game, if the stalemate lasts through the weekend.

The threat of a loss of service comes as Fox Carolina, DirecTV and AT&T have failed to reach an agreement on broadcast rights.

AT&T recently purchased DirecTV. According to a release from Les Vann, Fox Carolina's vice president and general manager, Fox Carolina has been in negotiations with the providers for months to try to work out a retransmission deal.

These negotiations are not uncommon in the television business. A retransmission stalemate between local NBC affiliate WYFF-4 and DISH Network left those customers without WYFF programming on their televisions for about two months earlier this year.

The stalemate will not impact DISH, Charter, or Comcast subscribers. Those with an antenna will still be able to watch Fox Carolina for free over the air.

Fox Carolina can be contacted at 864-288-2100. DirecTV can be contacted at 800-531-1000 and AT&T by calling 800-288-2020.